The BASIC Fund was Pacific Research Institute's Privatization Competition winner under the category "Private Scholarship Program."

In the first five years, the scholarship program has grown from 485 children to more than 3,000. For the 2002-2003 school year, the Fund will provide more than $4 million to help children attend private schools of their choice.

The BASIC Fund is helping to break down financial barriers that keep children in underachieving schools. Scholarships provide a way out for families who demand better of the current public education system. Only by "equalizing educational opportunities" for all students can we realize the goal of "no child left behind."

From Pacific Research Institute:

This year PRI celebrates the 10th anniversary of its annual privatization competition. The program began as a "better government" contest, encouraging Californians to submit their ideas on how to privatize, contract out, or downsize state and local government services. Over the years it evolved away from the public-sector focus to reward instead individuals and organizations that provide innovative solutions to community problems.

The theme for 2002 is "Honoring Those Who Are Creating a Better Education Future for America's Children." It recognizes private organizations that provide education services, many of which are of particular benefit to children in low-income communities. Entries included both for-profit and non-profit groups nationwide.

PRI is pleased to present awards to five organization in five categories of education services: charter schools, curriculum programs, education management organizations, facilities providers, and private scholarship programs.

We believe these innovative examples of private action offer a viable alternative to state-provided services. They are dramatically increasing options and accountability in our nation's public schools, and moving us farther along the path toward quality education for all children. They are to be congratulated for their tremendous efforts on behalf of America's most precious resource - its children.

We also thank these organizations for helping to advance on of PRI's most important goals - to provide individuals with the information, inspiration, and opportunity to make choices in their daily lives.